Closure of Western markets, as well as logistical difficulties, expensive freight and a steel surplus in Asia make exports pointless, NLMK's main owner Vladimir Lisin said. The domestic market is not a panacea either, as it has never needed as much steel as domestic steel companies are used to producing, he explained. However, NLMK will bring the investment program to the end, but may push back the deadlines due to the lack of foreign equipment.